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Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has issued a stark warning, declaring that Europe is “under attack from Russia.” He emphasized that these hybrid attacks encompass a wide range of tactics, from political assassinations and cyberwarfare to acts of sabotage and arson.
Details: sikorski revealed that Poland will prioritize security during its EU presidency in the first half of 2025. He expressed that Poland feels “justified” in its stance, as its repeated warnings about the threat posed by Moscow have proven accurate.
Nearly three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sikorski highlighted the multifaceted nature of russia’s aggression on european soil. He pointed to the infamous 2019 Berlin assassination and alleged political killings in the UK as examples of Russia’s destabilizing tactics.
“There are acts of sabotage in other countries: in Czechia, Lithuania, Poland,” Sikorski stated, referencing arson attacks, threats, and infrastructure destruction that have alarmed Eastern Europe in recent years.
Quote: “Russia’s attacks on European security have also been taking place online for many years.”
Details: Sikorski noted that European nations are under “constant cyber-attacks,” citing interference in the Brexit referendum as a prime example.
The recent events in Romania, where the first round of the presidential election was canceled in december following a surprising victory by a little-known pro-Russian candidate, should serve as a “wake-up call,” Sikorski asserted.
Quote: ”Someone paid for a social media campaign on his behalf.”
details: poland is also grappling with an additional threat from “armed migrants” on its eastern border, which Sikorski described as a “hybrid operation conceived by Russia and Belarus.”
Sikorski outlined the strategy behind Russia’s wave of attacks: “Vladimir Putin is clearly trying to provoke us and manipulate our electoral systems and our institutions to restore Russian control over the territory of another country, as well as to destroy the Western alliance.”
The foreign minister stressed that Europe’s best response would be to “take European defense seriously.”
Quote: “Strength deterred, weakness encouraged.”
Background:
- On 15 January, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during a joint press conference with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia was planning terrorist attacks against Poland and international airlines.
- Previous media reports citing Western security officials have revealed that Russia intended to cause fires on cargo and passenger planes bound for the United States and Canada.
- The media also reported that packages containing incendiary devices that went up in flames at DHL distribution facilities in Germany and the United Kingdom had been mailed from Lithuania,with the sender using a false identity.
What specific measures does Dr. kowalska suggest Poland prioritize during its EU presidency?
Interview with Dr. Anna Kowalska,Security Analyst and Expert on European Geopolitics
Conducted by Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Thank you for joining us today,Dr. Kowalska. As an expert in European security and geopolitics,what is your reaction to Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski’s recent statement that Europe is “under attack from Russia”?
Dr. Kowalska: Thank you for having me. Minister Sikorski’s statement is both timely and alarming. The term “hybrid attacks” is particularly significant as it captures the multifaceted nature of the threats Europe is facing. russia’s tactics are no longer confined to conventional military actions. Rather, we’re seeing a blend of cyberwarfare, political interference, sabotage, and even targeted assassinations.These methods are designed to destabilize European nations without triggering a full-scale war.
Archyde: Minister Sikorski also mentioned that Poland will prioritize security during its EU presidency in the first half of 2025. What does this mean for the european Union as a whole?
Dr. Kowalska: Poland’s focus on security during its EU presidency is a critical step.The EU has frequently enough been criticized for its fragmented approach to defense and security. Poland’s leadership could serve as a catalyst for greater unity and coordination among member states. Given Poland’s geographical position and historical experience with Russian aggression, it is uniquely positioned to push for stronger measures, such as enhanced cybersecurity protocols, intelligence sharing, and joint defense initiatives.
Archyde: Do you believe Poland’s stance is justified, as Minister Sikorski suggested?
Dr. Kowalska: Absolutely. Poland has long been on the front lines of geopolitical tensions with Russia. The annexation of Crimea, the ongoing conflict in ukraine, and the recent incidents of sabotage and cyberattacks across Europe have validated Poland’s concerns. The country’s proactive approach is not just about self-preservation; it’s about safeguarding the entire European project. if the EU fails to address these threats collectively, the consequences could be dire.
Archyde: What specific measures do you think Poland should prioritize during its EU presidency?
Dr. kowalska: First and foremost, Poland should advocate for a unified EU cybersecurity strategy.Cyberattacks are one of the most insidious tools in Russia’s arsenal, and they can cripple critical infrastructure, disrupt elections, and sow discord. Second, Poland should push for the establishment of a rapid-response mechanism to counter hybrid threats. This would involve creating specialized task forces that can address cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and acts of sabotage in real time. Poland should work to strengthen NATO-EU cooperation, as these two organizations must work hand in hand to counter Russian aggression.
Archyde: Do you think other EU member states will support Poland’s agenda?
Dr. Kowalska: There will undoubtedly be challenges. Some member states may be reluctant to allocate additional resources to defense and security, while others may fear provoking Russia. However, the growing frequency and severity of hybrid attacks are making it increasingly arduous for EU nations to ignore the threat. I believe Poland’s leadership will find allies, particularly among the Baltic states, Scandinavia, and Central Europe, which share similar concerns.
Archyde: what message would you like to send to our readers about the current state of European security?
Dr. Kowalska: The situation is serious, but not hopeless.Europe has the resources, expertise, and collective will to defend itself against hybrid threats. However,this requires a shift in mindset. We must move away from reactive measures and adopt a proactive,unified approach. The stakes are too high to do or else. As minister Sikorski rightly pointed out, Europe is under attack, and it’s time for us to respond with resolve and solidarity.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Kowalska, for your insightful analysis. We look forward to seeing how Poland’s EU presidency shapes the future of European security.
Dr. Kowalska: Thank you. It’s a pivotal moment,and I’m hopeful that Europe will rise to the challenge.
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This interview was conducted by Archyde’s news editor.For more updates on European security and geopolitics, stay tuned to Archyde.
